Month: September 2014

A year ago out at the KC Ren Fest my step-daughter had to have an umbrella from one of the Ren Fest vendors. When we bought it, it occurred to me that it would make a nice scrim, a nice reflector, or both.

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This past weekend, I decided to put the idea to the test – and it was brilliant. The thing looks era-appropriate and it makes it hard for somebody to refuse a photograph – and it does work well as both a scrim and as a reflector.

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Approach subject or subject companion with umbrella open.
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Ask, “Would you mind holding this for a moment?” and then without waiting, hand the umbrella to the subject (probably for use as a scrim) or to the companion (probably for use as a reflector). They will almost always take the umbrella from you, no questions asked. =)
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Gently adjust the holder so that they get the umbrella where you want it for the shot – don’t be afraid at this point to explain what you’re doing and/or why you’re doing it. E.g., “We’re using the umbrella to even out the mottled light here; you’re gonna look beautiful when I take this picture!” or “We’re using the umbrella to cut the harsh sunlight to something that’s as beautiful as you!”
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Step back and get the shot.
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Step forward and show them the shot you got and collect your umbrella. Optionally give them your contact information so they can see the image posted online later.
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Thank them and move on to your next victim target subject!

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I can’t recall the name of the vendor, but the shack is down and left (northeast?) from the main gate, across the way and kinda kitty-corner from the gyro vendor. The umbrellas come in both paper ($10) and cloth ($15) and are available in a number of colors and patterns (I went with white with a gold ring design for hopefully obvious reasons).

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You can see the results of my efforts in 2 or 3 of the shots in my KC Ren Fest album. In particular, note the smiling seamstress and the elven princess (who you can see holding the umbrella) where I used it as a scrim and the one of the flutist where I used it as a reflector.